The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2015, and October 31, 2016 (see FAQ for exceptions), are automatically nominated for the 2016 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on November 3, 2016, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

"Even though filtered through numerous works and new authors, Amber's voice remains fresh, funny and achingly honest—traits readers love about her. (Fiction. 7-11)"

Amber Brown is facing two tough challenges: her recently blended family is in the midst of moving to a new home, and she can't seem to focus on pending high-pressure standardized tests at school.
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Missing the fun of Peewee league, seventh-grader Cassie Fowler leaps at the chance to sign up for the middle-school football team when her former coach invites her and her friend Molly joins her.
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"Young chapter-book readers may stay up late to finish this, but it won't give them sleepless nights. (Fiction. 8-10)"

After an overlong absence, the all-too-suggestible Bamford brothers (Frankenstein Moved in on the Fourth Floor, 1979; Dracula Is a Pain in the Neck, 1983) again let their imaginations get the better of them.
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"Precocious preteens will find that this humorously empathetic take on budding romance is just right. (Fiction. 10-12)"

PLB 0-7868-2427-1 The content and concerns of Levy's latest is at odds with the young reading level and large type size, which may prevent this novel's natural audience of middle schoolers from finding a fast and funny read.
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"Though Levy creates nightmarish scenes, the story shows little internal logic and, during the period of Clark's indecision and Lily's long confinement, nearly strands readers in a slow, drawn-out last half. (Fiction. 11-14)"

An Atlantic City dowager reanimates her drowned son with annual human sacrifices in this confusing chiller.
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Levy writes affectionately of the period when fourth-grader Jackie discovers that her energy and imagination are appreciated by a teacher and, as a result, comes to value herself—but this is only the beginning of the story.
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